A computer-implemented method includes monitoring, by an agent, resource consumption at a system running at an on-premises data center, where the agent is embedded into the system. Compliance data is determined by measuring, by the agent, the resource consumption according to one or more cost factors of a consumption-based pricing agreement. The compliance data is useable to determine a consumption-based price of operating the system according to the consumption-based pricing agreement.
Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. A computer-implemented method comprising: monitoring, by an agent, resource consumption of a client at a system running at an on-premises data center of the client, wherein the agent is embedded into the system as one of a specialized hardware circuit integrated with the system and software coded as an integrated portion of an operating system of the system for tamper-resistance such that disabling or uninstalling the agent will disable the system; determining compliance data by measuring, by the agent, the resource consumption according to one or more cost factors of a consumption-based pricing agreement; and reporting, by the agent, the compliance data of the client to a remote vendor system; wherein the compliance data is useable to determine a consumption-based price of operating the system according to the consumption-based pricing agreement.
This invention relates to monitoring resource consumption in on-premises data centers to enforce compliance with consumption-based pricing agreements. The problem addressed is ensuring accurate billing and preventing unauthorized usage of cloud or vendor-provided systems deployed on-premises. The solution involves an agent embedded into the system, either as a specialized hardware circuit or as tamper-resistant software integrated into the operating system. This agent cannot be disabled or uninstalled without disabling the entire system, ensuring compliance monitoring remains active. The agent measures resource consumption (e.g., CPU, memory, storage) against predefined cost factors from a pricing agreement and generates compliance data. This data is reported to a remote vendor system, enabling the vendor to calculate the consumption-based price for operating the system. The tamper-resistant design prevents clients from bypassing or manipulating the monitoring process, ensuring accurate billing. The invention applies to scenarios where cloud or vendor-managed systems are deployed on-premises but require usage tracking for billing purposes.
2. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 , further comprising transmitting the compliance data to a webserver remote from the system.
This invention relates to a computer-implemented method for managing compliance data within a system. The method involves collecting compliance data from one or more devices within the system, where the compliance data pertains to the operational status or configuration of those devices. The collected data is then processed to determine whether the devices meet predefined compliance criteria. If a device fails to meet these criteria, the method generates an alert to notify relevant personnel. Additionally, the method includes transmitting the compliance data to a remote webserver, allowing for centralized monitoring and analysis. The system may also include a user interface that displays the compliance status of the devices, enabling users to view and manage compliance-related information. The method ensures that devices within the system adhere to specified standards, improving operational efficiency and security. The remote transmission of compliance data facilitates remote monitoring and reporting, enhancing scalability and accessibility.
3. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 , further comprising determining whether the system complies with one or more software licenses of one or more software products installed on the system.
This invention relates to software compliance monitoring in computing systems. The method involves analyzing software installations on a system to determine whether they comply with applicable software licenses. The process includes identifying installed software products, retrieving their associated license terms, and evaluating whether the system's usage aligns with those terms. This may involve checking for unauthorized installations, expired licenses, or violations of usage restrictions. The method also assesses compliance with multiple licenses simultaneously, ensuring that all software on the system meets legal and contractual requirements. The system may generate alerts or reports if non-compliance is detected, allowing administrators to address issues proactively. The invention aims to automate license compliance checks, reducing manual effort and minimizing legal risks associated with software usage. It is particularly useful in enterprise environments where multiple software products with varying license agreements are deployed. The method may integrate with existing software management tools to streamline compliance monitoring and enforcement.
4. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 , wherein the monitoring, by the agent, resource consumption at the system comprises monitoring, by the agent, at least one of a control block and a storage area on the system.
This invention relates to computer-implemented methods for monitoring resource consumption in a computing system. The problem addressed is the need for efficient and accurate tracking of system resources, particularly in environments where resource usage must be closely managed to prevent bottlenecks or failures. The method involves deploying an agent within the system to monitor resource consumption. The agent specifically tracks at least one of a control block or a storage area on the system. A control block is a data structure used to manage system resources, while a storage area refers to memory or storage locations where data is stored. By monitoring these components, the agent can detect resource usage patterns, identify inefficiencies, and prevent resource exhaustion. The agent may also collect additional data, such as performance metrics or usage trends, to provide a comprehensive view of system health. This data can be used to optimize resource allocation, detect anomalies, or trigger automated corrective actions. The monitoring process is designed to be non-intrusive, ensuring minimal impact on system performance while maintaining accurate tracking. The invention is particularly useful in environments where resource management is critical, such as cloud computing, virtualized systems, or high-performance computing. By providing detailed insights into resource consumption, the method helps administrators and automated systems make informed decisions to maintain system stability and efficiency.
5. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 , wherein the system provides a cloud service to a plurality of end users.
This invention relates to a computer-implemented method for providing a cloud service to multiple end users. The method involves deploying a cloud-based system that delivers software, storage, or computing resources over the internet to a distributed group of users. The system dynamically allocates resources based on demand, ensuring scalability and reliability. It includes authentication mechanisms to verify user access, load balancing to distribute traffic efficiently, and monitoring tools to track performance and usage. The cloud service may offer infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS), platform-as-a-service (PaaS), or software-as-a-service (SaaS) models, allowing users to access applications or infrastructure without managing physical hardware. The system also includes redundancy features to prevent downtime and data loss, ensuring continuous availability. The method optimizes resource utilization by scaling resources up or down automatically based on real-time demand, reducing costs and improving efficiency. The cloud service may integrate with third-party applications or APIs to enhance functionality. The system also enforces security policies, such as encryption and access controls, to protect user data. The invention aims to provide a flexible, scalable, and secure cloud computing environment for diverse end-user needs.
6. A compliance system comprising: a system configured to provide a service to a plurality of end users, wherein the system is further configured to run at an on-premises data center of a client; an agent embedded into the system as one of a specialized hardware circuit integrated with the system and software coded as an integrated portion of an operating system of the system for tamper-resistance such that disabling or uninstalling the agent will disable the system, wherein the agent is configured to: monitor resource consumption of the client at the system; determine compliance data by measuring the resource consumption according to one or more cost factors of a consumption-based pricing agreement; and report the compliance data of the client to a remote vendor system; wherein the compliance data is useable to determine a consumption-based price of operating the system according to the consumption-based pricing agreement.
This invention relates to a compliance system for monitoring and reporting resource consumption in on-premises data centers under consumption-based pricing agreements. The system addresses the challenge of ensuring accurate billing and compliance in environments where clients operate their own data centers but use vendor-provided services with usage-based pricing. The system includes a service-providing platform running at a client's on-premises data center. An embedded agent, either as a specialized hardware circuit or integrated into the operating system, ensures tamper resistance by making it impossible to disable or uninstall without disabling the entire system. The agent monitors resource consumption, such as CPU, memory, or storage usage, and measures it against predefined cost factors from the pricing agreement. It then generates compliance data, which is reported to the vendor's remote system. This data is used to calculate the consumption-based price for operating the system, ensuring transparency and accuracy in billing. The tamper-resistant design prevents clients from manipulating usage data, maintaining fairness in the pricing model. The system is particularly useful for cloud-like services deployed in private data centers, where usage tracking must be reliable and tamper-proof.
7. The compliance system of claim 6 , wherein the agent is further configured to transmit the compliance data to a webserver remote from the system.
A compliance system monitors and enforces regulatory requirements within an organization. The system includes an agent installed on a computing device that collects compliance data, such as user activity, software configurations, or security settings, from the device. The agent processes this data to determine whether the device meets predefined compliance rules. If a violation is detected, the agent can take corrective actions, such as restricting access or prompting remediation steps. The system also includes a local server that manages the agent, stores compliance data, and provides reporting capabilities. The agent is further configured to transmit the collected compliance data to a remote webserver, enabling centralized monitoring and analysis across multiple devices or locations. This remote transmission allows administrators to aggregate compliance information, identify trends, and enforce policies at scale. The system ensures continuous compliance with regulatory standards, such as data protection or industry-specific regulations, by combining local enforcement with centralized oversight.
8. The compliance system of claim 6 , wherein the agent is further configured to determine whether the system complies with one or more software licenses of one or more software products installed on the system.
A compliance system monitors and ensures adherence to regulatory and licensing requirements within a computing environment. The system includes an agent that collects data from the system, such as installed software, configurations, and usage patterns. The agent analyzes this data to detect deviations from predefined compliance rules, which may include software licensing terms, security policies, or industry regulations. If a violation is identified, the agent generates alerts or triggers corrective actions to bring the system back into compliance. In addition to general compliance checks, the agent is specifically configured to verify whether the system adheres to the software licenses of installed applications. This involves comparing the installed software against license terms, such as the number of permitted installations, usage restrictions, or required configurations. If a license violation is detected—such as unauthorized software usage or exceeding license limits—the agent may log the issue, notify administrators, or automatically enforce compliance by restricting access or uninstalling non-compliant software. The system may also include a central management component that aggregates compliance data from multiple agents across different systems, providing a unified view of compliance status and facilitating enterprise-wide enforcement. The agent operates continuously or on a scheduled basis to ensure ongoing compliance monitoring.
9. The compliance system of claim 6 , wherein the monitoring, by the agent, resource consumption at the system comprises monitoring, by the agent, at least one of a control block and a storage area on the system.
A compliance system monitors resource consumption within a computing system to ensure adherence to regulatory or organizational policies. The system includes an agent deployed on the system that tracks resource usage, such as CPU, memory, or storage, to detect deviations from predefined thresholds or rules. This monitoring helps identify unauthorized or excessive resource consumption that could indicate security breaches, policy violations, or inefficiencies. The agent specifically monitors at least one of a control block or a storage area within the system. A control block is a data structure used by the operating system or applications to manage resources, while a storage area refers to allocated memory or disk space. By tracking these components, the agent can detect anomalies, such as unauthorized access to control blocks or excessive storage usage, which may signal compliance violations. The system may then generate alerts, log incidents, or trigger remediation actions to address the issue. This approach enhances compliance by providing granular visibility into resource usage, ensuring that systems operate within defined limits and adhere to regulatory requirements. The agent's ability to monitor specific system components like control blocks and storage areas allows for precise detection of potential compliance risks.
10. A computer-program product for determining compliance, the computer-program product comprising a computer-readable storage medium having program instructions embodied therewith, the program instructions executable by a processor to cause the processor to perform a method comprising: monitoring, by an agent, resource consumption of a client at a system running at an on-premises data center of the client, wherein the agent is embedded into the system as one of a specialized hardware circuit integrated with the system and software coded as an integrated portion of an operating system of the system for tamper-resistance such that disabling or uninstalling the agent will disable the system; determining compliance data by measuring, by the agent, the resource consumption according to one or more cost factors of a consumption-based pricing agreement; and reporting, by the agent, the compliance data of the client to a remote vendor system; wherein the compliance data is useable to determine a consumption-based price of operating the system according to the consumption-based pricing agreement.
This invention relates to a tamper-resistant compliance monitoring system for on-premises data centers, addressing the challenge of accurately tracking resource consumption under consumption-based pricing agreements. The system uses an embedded agent, either as specialized hardware or as deeply integrated software within the operating system, to ensure tamper resistance—disabling or uninstalling the agent will disable the entire system. The agent monitors resource consumption (e.g., CPU, memory, storage) and measures it against predefined cost factors from a vendor’s pricing agreement. The collected compliance data is then reported to a remote vendor system, enabling the vendor to calculate the consumption-based price for operating the system. This approach ensures accurate billing and prevents manipulation of usage metrics by the client. The system is designed for environments where trust in client-reported data is insufficient, providing a vendor-controlled mechanism for enforcing pricing agreements. The agent’s integration ensures continuous operation, as any attempt to remove it would render the system inoperable.
11. The computer-program product of claim 10 , the method further comprising transmitting the compliance data to a webserver remote from the system.
This invention relates to a computer-program product for monitoring and ensuring compliance with regulatory or organizational standards in a computing system. The system collects compliance data from various components, such as hardware, software, and network configurations, to verify adherence to predefined rules. The collected data is analyzed to detect deviations or violations, and corrective actions may be triggered automatically or flagged for review. The system also includes a user interface for displaying compliance status, generating reports, and allowing administrators to adjust rules or thresholds. Additionally, the system transmits the compliance data to a remote webserver, enabling centralized monitoring, remote auditing, or integration with external compliance management platforms. This ensures that compliance information is accessible beyond the local system, facilitating broader oversight and regulatory reporting. The invention addresses the challenge of maintaining compliance in complex computing environments by automating data collection, analysis, and reporting while providing remote access for centralized management.
12. The computer-program product of claim 10 , the method further comprising determining whether the system complies with one or more software licenses of one or more software products installed on the system.
This invention relates to software license compliance monitoring in computer systems. The problem addressed is the difficulty of ensuring that installed software products adhere to their respective licensing agreements, which can lead to legal risks, financial penalties, or operational disruptions. The invention provides a method for analyzing software licenses on a computer system. It involves scanning the system to identify installed software products and retrieving their associated license terms. The method then evaluates whether the system's usage of each software product complies with the retrieved license terms. This includes checking factors such as the number of users, deployment scope, or usage duration against the license restrictions. If non-compliance is detected, the system generates alerts or reports to notify administrators, enabling corrective actions. The method may also compare the system's configuration against the license requirements, such as verifying that software is used only in permitted environments or that required updates are applied. Additionally, it can track license usage over time to detect patterns of non-compliance. The system may integrate with existing software inventory tools to gather installation details and license metadata, ensuring comprehensive compliance checks. This approach automates the often manual and error-prone process of license compliance, reducing administrative overhead and mitigating legal risks. It is particularly useful in large-scale IT environments where multiple software products with varying license terms are deployed.
13. The computer-program product of claim 10 , wherein the monitoring, by the agent, resource consumption at the system comprises monitoring, by the agent, at least one of a control block and a storage area on the system.
This invention relates to monitoring resource consumption in a computing system, particularly focusing on tracking the usage of control blocks and storage areas. The technology addresses the challenge of efficiently monitoring system resources to optimize performance and detect anomalies. In a computing environment, control blocks and storage areas are critical components that manage data and system operations. However, their usage can be difficult to track, leading to inefficiencies or failures. The invention provides a solution by implementing an agent that monitors these resources in real-time. The agent collects data on resource consumption, including the allocation and utilization of control blocks and storage areas, to provide insights into system performance. This monitoring helps identify bottlenecks, optimize resource allocation, and prevent system degradation. The agent operates autonomously, reducing the need for manual intervention while ensuring continuous oversight of resource usage. By focusing on control blocks and storage areas, the invention enhances system reliability and efficiency, particularly in environments where resource management is critical. The solution is applicable to various computing systems, including servers, databases, and distributed systems, where accurate resource monitoring is essential for maintaining performance and stability.
14. The computer-program product of claim 10 , wherein the system provides a cloud service to a plurality of end users.
This invention relates to a cloud-based system for managing and distributing computer programs to multiple end users. The system includes a central server that hosts a repository of software applications and provides access to these applications via a network, such as the internet. The system is designed to deliver software as a service (SaaS), allowing end users to access and utilize applications without requiring local installation or maintenance. The central server manages user authentication, application deployment, and resource allocation to ensure efficient and secure access for all end users. The system may also include features such as user management, application updates, and performance monitoring to optimize the cloud service experience. By centralizing software distribution, the system reduces the need for individual installations and simplifies software management for both providers and users. The invention aims to improve accessibility, scalability, and maintenance of software applications in a cloud environment.
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February 8, 2019
March 1, 2022
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